Childhood Obesity Specialist

What is childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity occurs when a child’s body weight is higher than ideal based on their height, age, and gender. While common, obesity increases children’s risk of high blood pressure and other disease risk factors. It may negatively affect their self-confidence, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

Is my child classified as obese?

The Astoria Pediatric PC experts let you know if your child’s body weight is classified as ideal, overweight, or obese after plotting their height and weight on a growth chart and determining their body mass index (BMI). They let you know if your child would benefit from obesity treatment and nutrition counseling.

What are the benefits of medical weight management?

Achieving and maintaining an ideal weight offers numerous benefits for your child, including:

• Lower risk of obesity in adulthood
• Better sleep
• More energy
• Increased self-confidence
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower risk of chronic diseases
• Reduced risk of medical complications 
• Improved quality of living

A healthy body weight makes it easier for your child to stay active, have high self-esteem, participate in sports, and concentrate well at school. 

What happens during childhood obesity visits?

During childhood obesity visits at Astoria Pediatric PC, your child’s provider often completes the following:

Vital signs check

A weight-management specialist weighs your child, determines their growth patterns and body mass index (BMI), and checks their pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs. 

Medical history review

During a medical history review, your child’s provider asks about their family and personal history of disease, symptoms, medication regimen, and lifestyle habits, especially their current diet and exercise routine.

Physical exam

A weight-management specialist also completes a physical exam and may order blood tests or other diagnostic tests to detect or rule out medical problems.

Nutrition counseling

During childhood obesity treatment, your child’s Astoria Pediatric PC provider offers nutrition counseling, teaching them ways to alter diet and exercise habits and move toward a healthier body weight. 

Sometimes the goal for kids or teens is to simply maintain their current weight. As they get taller and grow, they also become leaner. Your child’s Astoria Pediatric PC provider may recommend taking dietary supplements to maximize their health and effectively manage their weight.

If a loved one struggles with childhood obesity, call the Astoria Pediatric PC office or use the online scheduler today.